This album is the culmination of over a decade of work with what started as playing around in a garage with a drum, keyboard, guitar, and clarinet recorded on an old cassette recorder and computer that quickly morphed into the sometimes complex arrangements of instruments and production tools but those early roots were not forgotten. The methodology and techniques implemented in the recording of these songs took years to adjust and are far from perfection and the roots firmly planted in that garage over ten years ago remain. From those early sessions grew a fondness for the musical oddities of the modern recording era and the instruments acquired over the years, with each instrument and its quirks strongly delivering with each performance. While many musicians seek out the latest and greatest of recording equipment offered from today's manufacturers, I have procured an assortment of instruments that provide a unique sound. Why buy a brand new Fender guitar when you can use a Hondo, Kimberly, or Canora? Why drop thousands on one synthesizer when you can have countless combinations of instruments in the numerous Casios, Bontempis, Kimballs, and Baldwins? Why spend hours staring down a computer monitor laying down beats when you can use an old Wurlitzer rhythm machine, vintage analog drum pads and mixers? Why go for that same sound as everyone else when you can enjoy the unexplored options of that long forgotten Hohner or Yamaha sound generator? Why opt for the latest in recording gear when you can settle for a 40 year old integrated amplifier and stereo frequency equalizer? All these questions can be answered easily with two words: Why not? Sure the sounds of a brand new digital analog modeling synthesizer are great but there is something about the warmth and inviting nature of old analog circuits or the more recent nostalgia of early digital and digital-hybrid synthesizers. There is also something quite satisfying with combining those electronic instruments with, say, a chorded-zither or bulbul tarang. To try and mold these combinations into something resembling a rock song is not only a challenge but a labor of love, and a love I would wish to share. While the instrumentation on these tracks can seem weird or downright unnatural, I approach each project with the same level of love that I have for the songs from some of my favorite bands and musicians, such as The Beatles (both individually and collectively), The Rolling Stones, The Kinks, Mandfred Mann, Lindisfarne, Be Bop Deluxe, Faust, Brian Eno, Electric Light Orchestra, Bob Dylan, Mark Mothersbaugh, and Chris Knox. Previous recordings I had made had been released under the moniker of The Midnight Plumbers - a consortium of friends and family who would play around and record informally making jams and songs. It was from those sessions that these songs were born as those moments helped develop and nurture the craftsmanship and lead me to find my own name. While the songs released on this album can be at times diverse and frequently rough around the edges, they represent a progression (although not published in chronological order), and mark only the beginning of a musical journey. Instrumentation and information: No Shine Drums, Siel Orchestra, Guitar, Casio 1000P, Yamaha RX17, Casio PT100, Casio VL-1 Lyrics: I don't know where to go. But I think I'll find a home. Out there, somehow. I'll find, right now. Can't think my mind is stopping. Big puddle my life is hopping. Can't stay in air. But I guess that's fair. Challenging the norm. Weathering the storm. Putting up the screen. To protect me. I see the look in your eyes. I see there is no shine. A glimmer for someone else. A can on top the shelf. You seem oblivious. To my advances. I fear the chance, you reject romance. Charging to the front. Picking up the brunt. Missing all the fun. To protect me. Shine On Drums, Guitar, Casio CTK-481 Amy Drums, Casio MT-70, Lyrics: Amy lives in Gainesville to my surprise. Having an arrangement, that charts her fall and rise. Sitting by an ashtray singing songs that have no words can it be she's lonely can it be she's gone. la la la la la la Amy sha la la Amy goes to college, in a city with no past. can she see her future. Will her present last. Watching all the buses. Can they hear her lure. Waiting for another chance but there is no cure. Adam Percussion Samples, Clarinet, Bass Guitar, Roland SH-1000 Lyrics: Superman and Rocky ain't got nothing on him he can strike it rich like a son of a b**ch. Life Is Everything Percussion Samples, Bulbul Tarang, Bass Guitar Lyrics: Life is everything you make it out to be. Big Old House Percussion Samples, Guitar Lyrics: In this big old house I'm mighty scared and I need your company tonight to share. there is no comfort in these wooden boards these plaster walls or solid floors. I love you dearly, quite sincerely hold me tight and don't let go. Silence is my enemy. I want your sweet song melody. Grace me, pace me. Say I do. Take the time to love me too. Another Midnight Day Drums, Mandolin Lara Drums, Guitar, Korg MS2000R Lana Drums, Guitar, Korg MS2000R Commercial Drums, Korg MS2000R Lily Of The Valley Casio DG-20, Yamaha PSS-270, Casio MT-70 Sweet Delectation Casio DG-20, Akai CS-MO1A The Climber Percussion Samples, Drums, Akai CS-MO1A, Roland SH-1000 Tuesday Drums, Guitar, Korg MS2000R, Siel Orchestra Retroactive Drums, Guitar, Korg MS2000R, Siel Orchestra Benefits Drums, Drumfire, Stylophone, Casio MT-70, Casio VL-1, Roland SH-1000 Lyrics: I will benefit from your love. Sly Fox Drums, Korg MS-2000R, Roland SH-1000 Sarah Percussion Samples, Drums, Korg MS2000R Burial Anxiety Percussion Samples, Korg MS2000R Wondering (Where It Comes From) Percussion Samples, Korg MS2000R Lyrics: Wondering where it comes from. Olongapo Percussion Samples, Yamaha SHS-10, Korg MS2000R Her Smile Stirs Excitement Casio HT-700, Casio VL-1, Yamaha PSS-270, Siel Orchestra Die Today Percussion Samples, Korg MS2000R Waltz of the Concubine Percussion Sample, Casio HT-700 29 Seconds Cassette Manipulation, Various Synthesizers, Guitars Feast of the Solstice Drums, Mandolin, Guitar Night Walker Drums, Guitar